This archive report was first published on 3 November 2021.
Published on November 3, 2021, Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir has asked Governor Hassan Joho to steer clear of the Mombasa gubernatorial succession politics, alleging that his office is being used to campaign for rival Suleiman Shahbal.
Nassir, a close friend of Joho, made the remarks after noticing that some county officials, including Abdirahman Idriss, a political adviser in the governor's office, are allegedly working for Shahbal's campaign team.
'I am asking my brother Governor Joho not to interfere with the gubernatorial politics despite his office taking a political stand by supporting my opponent,' Nassir said.
He further stated that Shahbal should be grateful to Joho, describing him as a kind person, and alluding to the Sh6 billion Buxton affordable housing tender that Shahbal's firm won from the county government.
Shahbal's firm is constructing the multi-billion-shilling houses in Mombasa, but the project faced a major setback in August when the Senate Committee on Roads, Transport and Infrastructure suspended construction until grievances by evicted tenants were heard and determined.
However, the project resumed after Joho met the committee and addressed the issues raised.
'You might have the money, but I have the people,' Nassir told Shahbal.
Meanwhile, the giant Dock Workers Union, with a membership of over 5,000 port workers, has pledged its support for Nassir, citing his efforts to secure a 10 per cent salary increment for them.
